Results from a series of long-term experiments on the impact of modern farming on soil health and crop productivity, some dating back nearly 130 years, are now available to farmers and crop and soil researchers.
The Morley Long Term Experiments Guide provides an overview of fourteen studies carried out across Norfolk and Suffolk, funded by The Morley Agricultural Foundation (TMAF) and delivered by Niab.
The studies include the third oldest agricultural experiment in the UK, the Saxmundham Experimental Site, running since 1899, to the Morley Clean Water project, which has been sampling farm water monthly since 2020.
Niab’s Dr David Clarke and Dr Nathan Morris manage the experiments, which also include rotations, cultivations and nutrition strategies.
Dr David Clarke, Niab farm systems specialist said: “The long-term experiments which Niab delivers on behalf of TMAF are critical for understanding how our cropping systems, soils and environment are responding and what interventions can enhance our resilience.”
Useful results
The New Farming Systems cultivation trial compares ploughing, deep Sumo and shallow Sumo treatments. The crop yields have remained stable with very little difference between treatments over 19 years. However, financial margins are different due the varying energy requirements.
At Saxmundham, one experiment here started 125 years ago and compares new mineral fertilisers with adding manure. This was to show that mineral fertilisers were just as good as manure. However, over a century later, the highest yielding plots are the now manured plots. The 4ha site is of national importance as it has low phosphate levels and is an important location to host further experiments.
David Jones, farm manager at TMAF added: “As farmers, we are in it for the long term. Our actions and decisions have impact over multiple years. Annual field trials don’t always give us the best advice. Despite this, long-term trials are quite rare as reliable funds and commitments are required. This is something TMAF is well placed to provide.”
“We use our land and carefully managed assets to collaborate with respected agricultural research organisations, such as Niab, to seek solutions to some of the most pressing and persistent farming challenges.”
To view the guide, please click here.
